LOCAL NEWS: Senator Applauds Approval of Cleveland Schools Plans

Tuesday, State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) issued the following statement reacting to the Ohio Senate’s approval of SB 335, legislation that would support Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s plan for transforming the city’s schools:

“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 335 through the Ohio Senate is a watershed moment for the children of Cleveland and the future of our city. Four months after Mayor Jackson unveiled his vision for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, I am honored to take part in advancing this legislation through the General Assembly and helping to turn this vision into a reality.

“As I have stated many times throughout this process, we had to decide whether we want to live in a city or a cemetery-and act accordingly. I am proud to have been involved in the collaborative process that led to this moment, one that brought disparate interests to the table for the benefit of our students. We chose to come together to rededicate ourselves to the future of the City of Cleveland. We must leverage this momentum to make our students more successful, and our city and region more vibrant. Fixing Cleveland’s schools will take the hard work and dedication of the entire community-Mayor Jackson’s plan cannot do it alone.

“I anticipate the final passage of the Cleveland Plan this week and continued collaboration in the future. By preserving this spirit, we can ensure that we live in a thriving city-not a cemetery-for a long time to come.”